Pakshipathalam Trek - Kerala's Bird Paradise

The trek takes four hours and covers 8km over moderate terrain, from behind Thirunelli Temple to Papanashini River via narrow routes. Once across the river, you are in a forest with steep terrain. Your trail will likely pass through many bamboos, smaller trees, and large grass blades; beware of cutting yourself on them! As soon as you reach the top along the trail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Brahmagiri Peak, and birds and insects will join your journey. 

Within an hour of starting out on this trek, you will arrive at a watchtower in the forest that provides incredible panoramas of mountain range. Once at the watchtower, cross over the bridge onto the opposite slope and continue walking through the forest and past streams until reaching grassland and ultimately, reaching the border of Kerala-Karnataka. As you progress along this trail, it descends through Shola forest before ascending back up Pakshipathalam. 

On your journey forward, you’ll encounter a 30 feet tall rock that ascends to its highest point – this marks where Munekal Caves begin, composed of stones interconnecting into interconnected caves that shelter bats and bird nests – but be wary when exploring them as it could be slippery! Going down rocks takes you back down to the base of Pakshipathalam Mountain.

From Karnataka: Karnataka offers another route to reach Pakshipathalam, beginning with Irpu Falls. After turning left from the waterfall, turn onto a trail that winds its way for 2 km through dense forests before crossing over a river and returning through a mile-long smooth surface back into the forest, where a 500-meter trek leads visitors directly to Narimale Guesthouse, where food can be cooked; continue walking and you will reach Munekal Caves located 3km ahead. To take this route, it is necessary to seek permission; Srimangala village, 9km from Irpu Falls, can provide this permission from Irpu Falls can give access.